When you go on vacation, it’s nice to take some time to relax, but you might not want to lie on a beach for a full week. Some people think that when you visit an island, relaxation is all the spot has to offer, but in reality, many islands offer fun natural adventures that take you out of your normal life and give you a taste of something unique or exotic. If you’re the sort who’s looking for an adventure, whether for your whole trip or part of it, head to these island destinations.
Dominica
This Caribbean island exposes you to mountains, geothermal hot springs and volcanic activity. You can explore the rainforest, see waterfalls and, best of all, have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of swimming within a volcano at Champagne Beach. At the top of the water, you enjoy refreshing coolness, but when you swim downward, you experience hot bubbles coming out of the seafloor from the active volcano.
St. Kitts
Instead of swimming in a volcano, hike up one on this Caribbean island – this time, it’s dormant. It takes two to three hours, depending on your speed, to reach the top of Mount Liamuiga, from which you’ll see the crater at the summit and views of the island’s rainforests, mountains and beaches through cloud covering around it.
The Cook Islands
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These islands of the South Pacific offer stunning views and amazing expeditions. Many people visit this area for scuba diving to see the area’s reefs. You can also explore the spectacular blue lagoons by kayaking within them and sticking to snorkeling, which still offers views of sealife if you’re not up for scuba diving. When on shore, you’re able to bike and hike – don’t skip hiking to the top of the highest point of the Aitutaki island, Maunga Pu.
Eil Malk
This island, one of the 500 islands of Palau in the Pacific Ocean, offers plenty of natural bounty to explore within its rich blue waters. One of the best adventures of this area is scuba diving or snorkeling to experience the water’s life up close. You can’t beat snorkeling on the island within Jellyfish Lake. Expect to be surrounded by endless hordes of jellyfish, which give off a gold hue that shimmers against the green lake. But don’t be too distracted by the jellyfish to realize you’re swimming in an ancient natural wonder that has remained largely undisturbed by people.
Molokai
One of the Hawaiian Islands, Molokai offers an experience off-the-beaten-path and away from the main tourist spots. You also get something more than the typical Hawaiian trip by going deeper into Hawaii’s natural glory. Adventurers will love the opportunities to bike and hike through the rainforests, jungles, eucalyptus forests and other natural areas. During your trip, check out a coffee plantation, the island’s leper colony and Moa’ula Falls.
Spanish Wells or Eleuthera
These Bahamas islands offer the chance to try or master kiteboarding, an extreme sport where you glide along the water or beach, with a power kite above you that catches the wind. You’re able to skim the waves and soar in the air, getting as wild as you choose. These islands have become the place to go for this sport with its perfect conditions for it. Both of these islands offer this adventure, while Eleuthera provides higher class lodgings and a little more to do in the evenings, such as bands playing, wheras Spanish Wells offers a native experience.
Isla Holbox
If fishing is your idea of an adventure, head to this Mexican island that is perfect for fly-fishing. You’ll have a vacation without a lot of human interaction, but with a lot of time spent with the fish and the water. Part of the fun of fishing here is the boating into the turtle grass flats. While you’re on the island, you can also partake in other water activities, including kayaking, swimming and snorkeling with whale sharks (they migrate here in the summer).
The Seychelles
Explore this bunch of Indian Ocean islands off Africa’s eastern coast. You can see and visit a bunch of these islands by going from one to the next by boat. There are cruises that will take you around and bring you to various islands where you can see rainforests, bike, sail, bird watch and engage in more adventures. And of course, you also have the chance to go scuba diving to see coral reefs and underwater animals.
As you can see, islands throughout the world offer impressive natural wonders and adventures to experience. The Royal Holiday vacation club offers stays in top-notch resorts across over 50 countries, including ones that put you in touch with amazing island activities. So even if you plan to enjoy some time soaking in the sun on the beach or in an infinity pool, be sure to spend some time checking out the natural splendors of the world’s islands on a fun adventure.
